Data capture apparatus with handwritten data receiving component

ABSTRACT

A data capturing module combined with a portable data terminal of the hand-held type to record handwritten data. Using a digitized pad, the module can provide for direct input of handwritten data into the system, or a peripheral digital scanner can be employed to provide for data entry. Depending upon the particular application, the module therefore provides for data entry of handwritten text or graphics using the data terminal and other components of a portable data system to enter, display, print or otherwise communicate the handwritten data.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of thefollowing co-pending applications: Attorney Ser. No. Filing DateInventor(s) Docket No. 07/415,169 09-29-89 D. Hacker 6943 J. Walter07/451,322 12-15-89 A. Danielson 5769Y D. Durbin

[0002] The foregoing co-pending applications refer to the followingearlier applications pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 120, and reference is herebymade to these earlier applications herein in accordance with theprovisions of 35 U.S.C. 120: Attorney Ser. No. Filing Date Inventor(s)Docket No. 07/143,921 01-14-88 A. Danielson 5769X (now abandoned) D.Durbin 06/897,547 08-15-86 D. Durbin 5769 (now abandoned) R. Lo G.Welsch S. Kelly

[0003] Each of the foregoing listed co-pending and earlier applicationsis hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety includingdrawings and appendices.

AUTHORIZATION PURSUANT TO 37 C.P.R. 1.71(d)(e)

[0004] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent andTrademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves allcopyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Hand-held data terminals or computers are commercially availablefor use in a variety of applications, including the distribution andcontrol of products distributed by a route sales person. These hand-helddata terminals provide the route sales person with the latest productand customer information as well as information regarding the inventoryof the products being distributed. As products are distributed to thecustomer and other products picked up for return, this information isentered into the terminal together with payment or pricing information.Thus, these hand-held data terminals are useful in many application fororder entry, inventory control and route accounting in any industrywhere a product is being distributed.

[0006] Although these hand-held data terminals as a part of adistribution system have greatly increased the accuracy and efficiencyof product distribution, there are situations where it is desirable toallow the capture and recording of handwritten data rather than datathat is entered by keystrokes. One such use would be to provide for therecording of signatures and for verification of the signatures recorded.In some applications, digitized pads are available to permit the entryof handwritten data, usually in situations where the data is entered bymarking a predetermined location on a form that overlies the pad.However, to date there does not appear to be available any means forcombining a handwritten data entry module with a portable data terminalin such a way that the handwritten data can be directly entered or readand entered by a scanner.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a means forrecording and entering handwritten data in combination with a portablehand-held data terminal. The invention provides a module that isremovably attachable to a hand-held computer terminal, which moduleallows the capture of handwritten data. In a preferred embodiment, themodule provides a means for capturing handwritten data which is thenread by an optical scanner and entered into the system. In thealternative, the module contains a digitized pad which can capture andenter the handwritten data immediately as it is entered on the pad. Thepreferred module of the invention is easily and quickly attached to ahand-held computer terminal by a hook-hinge arrangement, using theexisting connector on the computer terminal and a connector on themodule. In the embodiment of the module using a digitized pad, themodule and hand-held terminal provide an integrated system whileallowing normal hand-held portable operation with the module in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hand-held data terminal with themodule of the invention in place;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the module;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the module;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a top view of the module, partly in section;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the module; and

[0013]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another hand-held data terminalwith a signature pad module in place;

[0014]FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the module;

[0015]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the module;

[0016]FIG. 9 is a top view of the module, partly in section;

[0017]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the module;

[0018]FIGS. 11 and 12 show exemplary circuitry for the input/outputprinted circuit board of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-10;

[0019] FIGS. 13-16 show exemplary circuitry for the CPU printed circuitboard of the embodiment of FIGS. 6-10;

[0020]FIG. 17 is a partial plan view showing a computerized processormodule assembled in a receiving module and operating in signature inputmode; and

[0021]FIG. 18 shows the computerized processor module displaying theresults of a signature verification operation for the case where theprocessor module functions as a separate self-contained unit using itsown battery power.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Referring first to FIG. 1 of the drawing, there is illustrated ahand-held data terminal or computer terminal 10 of a type suitable foruse with the module of the invention. A computer terminal such as theModel NT141GL hand-held computer terminal of Norand Corporation, CedarRapids, Iowa, has the necessary power and flexibility for thisapplication. The computer terminal 10 has a keyboard 12 and a display14. In addition to keyboard entry, data can be downloaded to thecomputer terminal 10 from a host computer or entered from a peripheraldevice such as a scanner.

[0023] The module providing for the entry of handwritten data isindicated generally by the reference numeral 16 and is shown in moredetail in FIGS. 2 through 5. The module 16 consists of a suitable case18 that houses a pad 20 for recording data in the manner describedhereinafter. The case 18 has formed along the lower edge near the fronta depending hinge 22 having a lug 24 extending along its entire length.Also, along the bottom surface 25 of the module 16 near the rear wall 26is a cable plug 28 that will engage with a standard receptacle (notshown) on the top surface of the hand-held computer terminal 10. Plug 28and the receptacle provide a standard 15-pin connection between thesecomponents. Near the rear of top surface 32 of module 16 there isprovided a suitable 15-pin receptacle 34 that provides for connection ofother external devices. The receptacle 34 and plug 28 are suitablyinterconnected by cable 36 inside of the case 18.

[0024] The hinge 22 with its locking lug 24 provided for easy, quick andremovable connection of the module 16 to the computer terminal 10. Byengaging the locking lug 24 under a corresponding shoulder 38 in the topsurface of computer terminal 10 and rotating the module 16 rearwardlyuntil the plug 28 on the module 16 engages the receptacle on thecomputer terminal 10, the module 16 is quickly and solidly affixed tothe computer terminal 10 and all necessary connections made between plug28 and receptacle. As will become more evident from the descriptionhereinafter, the force applied by a user to the module 16 by enteringhandwritten data on the pad 20 will bias the module 16 further into alocked position on the computer terminal 10. In order to remove themodule 16 from the computer terminal 10, the module 16 is grasped androtated forwardly in the direction opposite to the force that is appliedduring use. Thus, connection between the module 16 and computer terminal10 is a solid, positive connection that is quickly and easily made. Thepad 20 can be of any suitable type for recording handwritten data. If asuitable optical scanner (not shown) is to be used as a part of thesystem, the pad 20 can very simply be any suitable means in whichhandwritten data can be visibly recorded so that it can be scanned andentered into the system by the scanner. Suitable optical scanners areavailable for reading handwritten data of all types and processing theinformation read digitally and entering the digitalized data into thecomputer terminal 10. A suitable optical scanner for this purpose isdescribed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/238,701, filed Aug.31, 1988, by Steven E. Koenck, (Attorney Docket No. 6240), whichapplication has been assigned to Norand Corporation, the same assigneeof this application.

[0025] The pad 20 also may be a digitized pad of any suitable typecontaining resistive sheets 40 (FIG. 4) responsive to operatingpressures in a suitable range normally applied by a user using aballpoint pen. The digitized pad 20 using resistive sheets 40 preferablyhas sufficiently high resolution to provide an accurate representationof handwritten data including signatures. The resistive sheets 40 arepreferably covered with an abrasion resistive cover 42 of a suitablepolyester material. When the user enters data onto pad 20 by supplyingsufficient pressure with a writing instrument to activate the resistivesheets 40, the information is digitized, compressed, stored andprocessed by the computer terminal 10. For example, if the module 16 isbeing used for signature verification, a signature written on pad 20 canbe immediately verified or stored for future verification.

[0026] From the foregoing description, it is evident that the module ofthe invention provides the capability of capturing and recordinghandwritten data of all types, which data can be entered either directlyusing a digitizing pad on the module or the handwritten data can beentered into the data terminal by a suitable optical scanner for furtherprocessing. All types of handwritten data, including both texts andgraphics, can be captured using the module of the invention inconnection with a portable hand-held data terminal. One example that hasbeen described is the verification of signatures, but any handwrittendata can be entered directly or scanned into the terminal, the amount ofdata being limited by the available memory. The module of the inventionthus provides a vehicle for significant data entry means not presentlyavailable with hand-held type computer terminals.

[0027] Description of FIGS. 6 to 10

[0028] FIGS. 6 to 10 show a signature pad module with dimensions of2.870 inches (length), 1.5000 inches (width) and 2.27 inches (height).Accordingly such a module may be adapted to fit in a pocket size shellconfiguration to form a self contained portable battery operated system.The following description is considered relevant in explaining furtherthe significance of the graphical input capability of the pocket sizesystems.

[0029] While hand-held data terminals have greatly increased theaccuracy and efficiency of product distribution, there are situationswhere it is desirable to allow the capture and recording of handwrittendata rather than data that is entered by keystrokes. One such use wouldbe to provide for the recording of signatures and for verification ofthe signatures recorded. In some applications, digitized pads areavailable to permit the entry of handwritten data, usually in situationswhere the data is entered by marking a predetermined location on a formthat overlies the pad. However, to date there does not appear to beavailable any means for combining a handwritten data entry module with aportable data terminal in such a way that the handwritten data can bedirectly entered or read and entered by a scanner.

[0030] In an illustrated embodiment, the module contains a digitized padwhich can capture and enter the handwritten data immediately as it isentered on the pad. The illustrated module is easily and quicklyattached to a hand-held computer terminal by a hook-hinge arrangement,using the existing connector on the computer terminal and a connector onthe module. In the embodiment of the module using a digitized pad, themodule and hand-held terminal provide an integrated system whileallowing normal hand-held portable operation with the module in place.Referring first to FIG. 6 of the drawings, there is illustrated ahand-held data terminal or computer terminal 510 of a type suitable foruse with the signature pad module. A computer terminal such as the ModelNT141GL hand-held computer terminal of Norand Corporation, Cedar Rapids,Iowa, has the necessary power and flexibility for this application. Thecomputer terminal 510 has a keyboard 512 and a display 514. In additionto keyboard entry, data can be downloaded to the computer terminal 510from a host computer or entered from a peripheral device such as ascanner.

[0031] The module providing for the entry of handwritten data isindicated generally by the reference numeral 516 and is shown in moredetail in FIGS. 7 through 10. The module 516 comprises a suitable case518 that houses a pad 520 for recording data in the manner describedhereinafter. The case 518 has formed along the lower edge near the fronta depending hinge 522 having a lug 524 extending along its entirelength. Also, along the bottom surface 525 of the module 516 near therear wall 526 is a cable plug 528 that will engage a standard receptacle(not shown) the top surface of the hand-held computer terminal 510. Plug528 and the receptacle provide a standard 15-pin connection betweenthese components. Near the top surface 532 of module 516 there isprovided a suitable 15-pin receptacle 534 that provides for connectionof other external devices. The receptacle 534 and plug 528 are suitablyinterconnected by means including ground cable 536 inside of the case518.

[0032] The hinge 522 with its locking lug 524 provides for easy, quickand removable connection of the module 516 to the computer terminal 510.By engaging the locking lug 524 under a corresponding shoulder at 538 inthe top surface of computer terminal 510 and rotating the module 516rearwardly until the plug 528 on the module 516 engages the receptacleon the computer terminal 510, the module 516 is quickly and solidlyaffixed to the computer terminal 510 and all necessary connections madebetween plug 528 and its mating receptacle. The force applied by a userto the module 516 in entering handwritten data on the pad 520 will biasthe module further into a locked position on the computer terminal 510.In order to remove the module 516 from the computer terminal 510, themodule 516 is grasped and rotated forwardly in the direction opposite tothe force that is applied during use. Thus, connection between themodule 516 and computer terminal 510 is a solid, positive connectionthat is quickly and easily made.

[0033] The pad 520 can be of any suitable type for recording handwrittendata. If a suitable optical scanner (not shown) is to be used as a partof the system, the pad 520 can very simply be any suitable means inwhich handwritten data can be visibly recorded so that it can be scannedand entered into the system by the scanner. Suitable optical scannersare available for reading handwritten data of all types and processingthe information read digitally and entering the digitized data into thecomputer terminal 510. A suitable optical scanner for this purpose isdescribed in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/238,701, filed Aug.31, 1988, by Steven E. Koenck, (Attorney Docket No. 6240), whichapplication has been assigned to Norand Corporation, the same assigneeof this application.

[0034] The pad 520 also may be a digitizer pad of a any suitable typecontaining resistive sheets forming a digitizer means 540 (FIG. 9)responsive to operating pressures in a suitable range normally appliedby a user using a ballpoint pen. The digitized pad 520 using resistivesheets at 540 preferably has sufficiently high resolution to provide anaccurate representation of handwritten data including signatures. Theresistive sheets at 540 are preferably covered with an abrasionresistant cover 542 of a suitable polyester material. When the userenters data onto pad 520 by supplying sufficient pressure with a writinginstrument to activate the resistive sheets at 540, the information isdigitized, compressed and stored and/or transmitted to the computerterminal 510. For example, if the module 516 is being used for signatureverification, a signature written on pad 520 can be immediately verifiedor stored for future verification.

[0035] From the foregoing description, it is evident that the datacapture module provides the capability of capturing and recordinghandwritten data of all types, which data can be entered either directlyusing a digitizing pad on the module, or the handwritten data can beentered into the data terminal by a suitable optical scanner for furtherprocessing. All types of handwritten data, including both text andgraphics, can be captured using the module in connection with a portablehand-held data terminal. One example that has been described is theverification of signatures, but any handwritten data can be entereddirectly or scanned into the terminal, the amount of data being limitedby the available memory. The module thus provides a vehicle forsignificant data entry means not presently available with hand-held typecomputer terminals.

[0036] The actual volume occupied by the signature pad 520 and theprinted circuit boards 562 and 570 is about 1¾ inch (wide) by 3¼ inch(long) by about 1⅜ inch (deep). This is consistent with use with apocket-size receiving module.

[0037] The pad active area may be 2.375 inches by 0.875 inch by 0.055inch. The covering 542 may be 0.007 inch polyester. The pad may utilizea silicone elastomer pad sensor, and may provide a pad resolution of 175points per inch giving a resolution of 415 points across and at least150 points in height.

[0038] Generally the signature pad may comprise upper and lowerresistive sheets of silicone elastomer which have resistive ink appliedto the confronting faces so as to present uniform resistivity over thesurfaces. Application of point pressure to the cover sheet 542 causesthe resistive layers to contact at a corresponding point.

[0039] For tractor fed forms, alignment pegs 563, 564 on the bezel part518B are used to engage in the form feed holes to hold the form inposition during the signature capture process. Should the sensor pad 520be damaged, the bezel part 518B including the sensor pad can be replacedwithout replacing the entire unit. This is accomplished by removingscrews 553, 554 and pivoting parts 518A, 518B away from each other. Theconnector 560 can then be unplugged from the input/output printedcircuit board 562. The ground cable 536 may be separable at 568.

[0040] Printed circuit board 570 may carry components such as a CPU chip(e.g. type 80C31), CMOS static RAM (e.g. 32K×8), and an EPROM component(e.g. type 27C256) as indicated at 571, FIG. 9.

[0041] The printed circuit boards 562 and 570 are 1⅜ inch by 3 inch byless than {fraction (1/16)} inch and are separated from each other byabout one-half inch. Coupling between the digitizer pad 540 and thecircuitry of board 562 may be by means of two twin conductor ribbonssuch as that indicated at 572, FIG. 9.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, it can be seen that case 518 is formed of abase assembly 518A and a bezel assembly 518B. The base assembly includesan outwardly facing hook plate 550 which interlocks with a receivingrecess of the bezel assembly. The parts 518A, 518B are pivotal at thehook plate-recess into a snug interfitting relationship, with edge 551fitting into a receiving channel of part 518B. The parts are thensecured together by means of screws 553, 554, FIG. 23. The channel mayhave a sealing strip seated therein, e.g. a 0.052 inch diameterelastomer 12.5 inches long.

[0043] Ribbon connectors 557, 558 from the 15-pin plug 528 and 15 -pinreceptacle 534 are provided with internal 16 position receptacles 559,560 which connect with headers on the input/output printed circuit board562. When the pad is disabled, communications will pass betweenconnectors 528 and 534 unmodified.

[0044] By way of an alternate example, the resistive sheets may be ofMylar of five mils (0.005 inch) thickness. In any case, conductivex-axis conductive strips may extend along the long edges of the upperresistive layer, and Y-axis conductive strips may extend along the shortedges of the lower resistive layer, the pairs of conductive strips beingconnected with conductors of respective ribbons such as 572, FIG. 9.

[0045] Conveniently the outer sheet is somewhat longer in the length andwidth dimensions so as to overlie a metal frame 573, FIG. 9, while theinner sheet is seated in a recess within the confines of the frame 573.The outer resistive sheet is then fastened at its margins to the frameso that there is normally a clearance air space of approximately ten tothirty mils (one mil equals 0.001 inch) between the two resistivelayers. The confronting resistive surfaces may comprise graphite inkresistive surfaces as is well understood in the art.

[0046] Description of FIGS. 11 and 12

[0047]FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate exemplary circuitry for theinput/output printed circuit board 562. FIG. 11 shows the circuitryconnected to the X and Y axis conductive strips of the signature pad520. For reading an X-axis dimension from the signature pad, transistors24-Q2, 24-Q5 and 24-Q6 are turned on to apply a potential of five voltsanalog, (+5A), through transistor 24-Q2 to the Y+ conductor 2410 whichleads to the Y axis strip at one end of the inner resistive surface. Thereturn path from the other end of the inner resistive strip is viaY-conductor 2411 and transistor 24-Q6, creating a potential distributionalong the long X-axis dimension of the pad. The X-axis potential valueat the point contacting the outer resistive sheet is coupled viaconductors 2412 and 2413 to the channel one input of analog to digitalconverter 24-U1 (e.g. type LTC1091).

[0048] Similarly, to read out a Y-axis value, transistors 24-Q3, 24-Q4and 24-Q1 are turned on, and the Y-axis potential at the contact pointis read out via the inner resistive sheet and conductors 2410 and 2414leading to the channel zero input of the analog to digital converter24-U1.

[0049] In FIG. 12, line 2511 receives battery voltage MBATS from theterminal 10. Line 2511 is coupled with pin 15 of connector 528, viaposition 15 of receptacle 559, FIG. 21. The I/O printed circuit board562 connects position 15 of the header receiving receptacle 559 withposition 15 of the header for receptacle 560. Line 2511 connects withline 2416, FIG. 11, and connects to the CPU printed circuit board 570via mating interboard connectors such as 573, 574, FIG. 8, a capacitor(not shown, 0.01 microfarad, 50 volts), being connected between MBATSand ground in parallel with 25-TZ1.

[0050] Applying EXT EN to conductor 2512 serves to transmit a resetsignal to the processor of board 570 via 25-Q7, 25-Q10, 25-Q9 and 2513(RESET).

[0051] The signals associated with the various positions of connectors528 and 534 are as follows: Connector 528 Connector 534 J1 1 TXD J2 1TXD Out J1 2 DTR J2 2 DTR J1 3 RTS J2 3 RTS J1 4 RCT J2 4 RCT J1 5 RXDJ2 5 RXD IN J1 6 CTS J2 6 CTS J1 7 DSR J2 7 DSR J1 8 CHG In J2 8 CHG InJ1 9 GND J2 9 GND J1 10 XOVER/TXL J2 10 XOVER/TXL J1 11 PROX/RXC J2 11PROX/RXC J1 12 SCAN/PWR J2 12 SCAN/PWR J1 13 EXT EN J2 13 N.U. J1 14RCR/CD J2 14 RCR/CD J1 15 MBATS J2 15 MBATS J1 16 N.U. J2 16 N.U.

[0052] The symbols J1 and J2 actually refer to the headers on I/O board562 receiving connectors 559 and 560, respectively. Thus position 16 isnot used. Position 13 of J1 connects with line 2512, position 1 connectswith line 2520 and position 5 connects with line 2521. Line 2522connects with position 5 of J2, and line 2523 connects with position 1of J2. The printed circuit board 562 provides direct connections betweenpositions of J1 and J2 designated DTR, RTS, RCT, CTS, DSR, RCR/CD, RCT,CHG IN, XOVER/TXL, and PROX/RSC, MBATS and GND.

[0053] The transistor 25-Q6 controls supply of power to the padregulator 25-REG1.

[0054] The interboard connectors on board 562 such as 573, FIG. 8, aredesignated J3 and J4 carry the following signals. J3 1 N.U. J4 1 ADCS J32 DI/O J4 2 RDX4 J3 3 ADCLK J4 3 TXD3 J3 4 JY− J4 4 RESET J3 5 JY+ J4 5GND J3 6 JX− J4 6 +5 V J3 7 JX+ J4 7 MBATS

[0055] Description of FIGS. 13. 14. 15 and 16

[0056] FIGS. 13-16 show exemplary circuitry for the CPU board 570. Theinterboard connectors on board 570 such as connector 574 are designatedP3 and P4 and connect with the CPU, 26-U5, of board 570 as indicated inthe following table: CPU (Type 80C31) CPU Pin Pin Designation P3 1 N.U.P3 2 DI/9 9 P 1.7 P3 3 ADCLK 6 P 1.4 P3 4 JY− 5 P 1.3 P3 5 JY+ 4 P 1.2P3 6 JX− 3 P 1.1 P3 7 JX+ 2 P 1.0 P4 1 ADCS 8 P 1.6 P4 3 TXD3 11 RXD P44 RESET 10 RST P4 5 GND 22,35 VSS,EA PR 6 +5 V 44 VCC

[0057] Pin 13 (TXD) of CPU 26-U5 connects via line 2610 (RXD3) with thecircuit of FIG. 14, which in turn drives line 2611 (RXD4). MBATS line2612 also connects with FIG. 14. Line 2614 connects with the circuit ofFIG. 15.

[0058] Pins of CPU 26-U5 designated AD7-AD0, respectively connect withdata bus 2910, FIG. 16. The pin of 26-U5 designated ALE connects withlatch 29-U2 and EPROM 29-U3 via line 2620. Pin 32 of 26-U5 (PSEN)connects via line 2621 with 29-U3. Address bus 2630 from pins designatedA8-A15 of 26-U5 connects with components 29-U3 and 29-U4 (a CMOS staticrandom access memory, e.g., 128K×8).

[0059] Pin RD of CPU 26-U5 connects via line 2631, pin RAMEN connectsvia line 2632; and pin WR connects via line 2633, with 29-U4.

EXAMPLE VII

[0060] As an example pursuant to FIGS. 6-16, a signature pad may havethe configuration for interfitting in a receptacle. The printed circuitboards 562 and 570 could be consolidated into a single printed circuitboard underlying the signature pad and having comparable dimensions,e.g. about two inches by three inches. The inputs and outputs from theconsolidated circuit board could comprise MBATS, GND, EXT EN, and thecommunication lines for two-way alternate point-to-point communication.These inputs and outputs could couple with a module at a region usingmating surface contacts.

[0061] Battery power could be available in the receiving module, andprotocol conversion and other functions of the terminal could beperformed by a modular processor. A touch screen could be included atthe three margins of the signature pad at the top surfaces of themodule.

[0062] By way of example, signatures as digitized by means of thesignature pad module could be transferred under the control of aprocessor module to a data storage card inserted in a slot. Alignmentpegs such as 563, 564, FIG. 7, could form part of the signature padmodule, such that a touch screen would be accessible to activate thesignature pad module by transmitting EXT EN to the pad module inresponse to actuation of a region of the touch screen in signaturecapture mode.

[0063] Such touch screen would then signal when a signature had beenproperly digitized and stored. The touch screen associated with themodule can accommodate the entire data capture command set.

EXAMPLE VIII (FIGS. 17 and 18)

[0064] In Example VIII, the circuitry of FIGS. 11-16 may be part of acomputerized processing module 3000, FIG. 17. A receiving module 3010may receive the module 3000 and may have coupling means for engagementwith cooperating connection means 3001 of module 3000.

[0065] In this Example VIII, the receiving module 3010 may perform thefunctions of data entry terminal 510, FIG. 6, and may provide batterymeans 3002 capable of providing for battery operation of the circuitryof FIGS. 11-16. In particular, receiving module 3010 would have couplingmeans for automatically engaging with the connection means 3001 asmodule 3000 is inserted into a receptacle 3011 of module 3010. Thecoupling means and connection means 3001 could also provideautomatically completed signal communication paths such as provided bythe terminal connector automatically mating with connector 528, FIG. 10,during assembly of parts 510 and 516, FIG. 6. The module 3010 may haveledges such as 3012 for overlying the side edges of the module 3000, andmay include segmental spherical detents such as 3014 which are springurged into receptacle 3011 to retain the module 3000 therein. A notch3015 may facilitate removal of the complete module 3000 as a unit fromthe receptacle 3011.

[0066] The module 3010 may have a touch screen 3020. One of the touchswitch positions may be “Signature Input Mode” as indicated at 3021.When this mode is selected by manually depressing region 3021, a graphicdisplay is produced on module 3000 as indicated in FIG. 17 whichfacilitates the handwritten entry of a signature e.g. in a spaceindicated by a box displayed at 3022 with a signature line at 3023, anda “start” box indicated by a dash line 3024.

[0067] Module 3000 may include a digitizer input screen 3025 oversubstantially its entire length and width as viewed in FIG. 17, and agraphic display e.g. of the dot matrix type may underlie the digitizerscreen and have a resolution sufficient to accurately displayhandwritten data such as signatures and the like, as well as indiciasuch as 3022, 3023, and 3024.

[0068] Where the signature is to be entered directly on the digitizerscreen 3025, a wooden stylus is conveniently used. In this event, thedisplay means of module 3000 may display the mode at 3028 and suitableinstructions at 3029.

[0069] Where a form with feed holes is to be engaged with pegs 3030,3031 on module 3010, the form may have printed thereon indicia such as3022, 3023, 3024, “start”, and 3029. In this case, a conventional ballpoint pen may be used to enter the signature on the form, and to apply acorresponding impression to the digitizer input screen 3025 of FIG. 17.

[0070] By way of example, the computerized processing module 3000, or adata storage card such as indicated at 3040 (inserted into a slot) maystore the authorized signatures of persons empowered to approve a giventransaction. Thus, a person delivering goods to various establishmentsmay download authorized signatures for a given delivery into the module3000 just prior to making the delivery, or may select a respective datastorage card 3040 from a file thereof.

[0071] After the signature impression such as 3041 has been entered inspace 3022 of the digitizer input screen, the processor of module 3000or a processor 3042 of module 3010 may carry out a comparison of thesignature impression 3041 with the stored authorized signatures. Ifthere is a sufficient match with an authorized signature the graphicaldisplay may indicate that the signature was a valid authorized signatureas at 3044, FIG. 18. The matching authorized signature of record may bedisplayed in space 3045, FIG. 18, or the name represented by thesignature may be simply printed in space 3045. A transaction number maybe assigned as indicated at 3046. Further, the signature 3047corresponding to impression 3041, as stored by module 3000, module 3010or storage card 3040 may be displayed at a region 3049 adjacent region3045 so that the operator can confirm the matching condition, oractually make the decision as to whether the signature is to beaccepted. Of course, the signature as entered may be stored in fullydigitized form or in a suitably compacted form in module 3000, module3010 or storage card 3049.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE IX

[0072] Example VIII could be applied to the embodiment of FIGS. 6-16 asa further example, in which case the resistive typed digitizer screen520 could be used for the direct entry of a signature e.g. using apassive wooden stylus, and display 514 could provide a resultant displaysuch as indicated in FIG. 18, and could display indicia such as 3028 and3029, prior to entry of the signature impression 3041. The signaturecomparison program, and the set of authorized signatures could then bedownloaded into the data terminal 510, e.g. via connectors 534 and 528from a data storage system within a delivery vehicle or the like.Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,919 which teaches using thesensing of pressure applied across the signature as a further parameterfor use in signature verification.

SUMMARY RE EXAMPLES VIII And IX

[0073] In examples VIII and IX, computerized processing module 3000provides for the computerized processing and storage of data asdescribed in detail in reference to FIGS. 6-16. The stored data e.g.complete digitized information concerning a signature impression 3041may be transmitted from random access storage such as indicated at 29-U4via connection means 3001 to an external receiving module such as 3010or 510, FIG. 6. The computerized processing module 3000 could be of sizeto fit in a shirt pocket as with module 516, FIG. 6, e.g. a crosssectional perimeter of not more than about eight inches and a lengthdimension of not more than about five inches.

[0074] The connection means 3001 of module 3000 automatically engageswith the coupling means in receptacle 3011 as the module 3000 isinserted over detents 3014 and under ledges 3012 to assemble the module3000 with the receiving module 3010. Correspondingly, the connectionmeans 3001 is automatically disengaged from the coupling means as themodule 3000 is removed as a unit from receptacle 3011 (e.g. with the useof one finger inserted into notch 3015).

[0075] The digitizer input screen 3025 is transparent so that the matrixtype display there beneath is visible to the user through the digitizerscreen. Any of the digitizer technologies currently available such asthose referred to herein may be utilized. Both the digitizer input andthe graphical display of module 3000 have a resolution to accuratelyrecord and display handwritten characters such as represented bysignatures 3041, 3045 and 3047. The data such as signatures stored inmodule 3000 in complete digitized form or in compacted form may betransmitted to the coupling means of receiving module 3010 forutilization externally of module 3000. For example, receiving module3010 may have a programmed processor at 3042 for comparing a signatureimpression data relating to a signature impression 3041 with a set ofauthorized signatures stored on a data storage card 3040.

[0076] The display of module 3000 may display indicia such as 3022,3023, and 3024 for facilitating input of a signature impression such as3041 directly on the digitizer input screen 3025, or a form may belocated e.g. by pegs 3030, 3031 and itself have indicia printed thereon.In Example IX, a conventional display screen at 514, FIG. 6, of areceiving module 510, may display instructions adjacent a digitizerscreen at 520, and may provide a display such as indicated in FIG. 18,once a signature impression at 520 has been compared with a set ofauthorized signatures stored by the receiving module 510, FIG. 6.Although the invention has been described in connection with certainpreferred embodiments thereof, it would be evident to those skilled inthe art that various revisions and modifications to the preferredembodiment, as well as additional applications to those described by wayof example herein can be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention. It is our intention however that all suchrevisions and modifications that may be obvious to those skilled in theart will be included within the scope of the following claims.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0077] The present application hereby incorporates by reference thefollowing U.S. patents in their entirety including drawings andappendices and incorporated material: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,877,949,5,019,699, 5,227,614, 5,410,141, 5,468,947, and 5,834,753.

We claim:
 1. Apparatus for capturing handwritten data, comprising a hand-held self-contained portable handwritten data capture assembly capable of receiving normally generated handwritten material, said assembly comprising; an integral combination of a portable data terminal for processing data; a removable handwritten data receiving module removably connected to the data terminal and having a longitudinally extensive receiving surface for receiving a spacially extended sequence of information conveying handwritten data while the module is connected with the data terminal; means in said module for reading the spacially extended sequence of information conveying handwritten data as applied to said receiving surface and entering the data into the data terminal; and means for locking the receiving module into engagement with the data terminal.
 2. The data capturing apparatus of claim 1 in which the means for reading the handwritten data is an optical digital scanner operatively connected with said portable data terminal and operative for optical reading of handwritten data on the receiving surface.
 3. The data capturing apparatus of claim 1 in which the means for reading the handwritten data includes a digitizing pad operatively associated with said longitudinally extensive receiving surface.
 4. The data capturing apparatus of claim 1 in which the data terminal is a hand-held unit.
 5. The data capturing apparatus of claim 4 in which the module providing for entry of the handwritten data is quickly removable as a unit from the hand-held data terminal, the data terminal being fully operational for reading and processing data while separate from said module.
 6. The data capturing apparatus of claim 1 wherein means for locking includes a snap-on mechanical connection between the module and the data terminal such that the module is readily attached to and detached from the data terminal.
 7. The data capturing apparatus of claim 1 wherein the data capture assembly is constructed to receive and store cursive handwritten data such as signatures.
 8. The data capturing apparatus of claim 6 wherein the module includes a case having a bottom surface connecting a front and rear wall, a depending hinge formed along the bottom surface of the case below the front wall, a lug extending along the depending hinge, and a cable plug disposed on the bottom surface near the rear wall; wherein the data terminal includes a housing having a top surface, a shoulder formed along the top surface disposed to receive the lug, and a receptacle disposed in the top surface to receive the cable plug; and wherein the snap-on mechanical connection comprises the sequential engagement of the lug and the shoulder followed by the engagement of the receptacle and the cable plug.
 9. The data capturing apparatus of claim 8 wherein force applied to the receiving module biases the module toward a locked position on the data terminal.
 10. The data capturing apparatus of claim 8 wherein the module is rotated forwardly to disengage the module from the data terminal.
 11. Apparatus for capturing handwritten data, comprising a hand-held self-contained portable handwritten data capture assembly capable of receiving normally generated handwritten material, said assembly comprising an integral combination of a portable data terminal for processing data, the data terminal including a display surface; a removable handwritten data receiving module removably connected to the data terminal and having a longitudinally extensive receiving surface for receiving a spacially extended sequence of information conveying handwritten data while the module is connected with the data terminal; means in said module for reading the spacially extended sequence of information conveying handwritten data as applied to said receiving surface and entering the data into the data terminal; and means for displaying the handwritten data on the display surface of the data terminal as it is entered on the receiving surface.
 12. The data capturing apparatus of claim 11 in which the means for reading the handwritten data is an optical digital scanner operatively connected with said portable data terminal and operative for optical reading of handwritten data on the receiving surface.
 13. The data capturing apparatus of claim 11 in which the means for reading the handwritten data includes a digitizing pad operatively associated with said longitudinally extensive receiving surface.
 14. The data capturing apparatus of claim 11 in which the data terminal is a hand-held unit.
 15. The data capturing apparatus of claim 14 in which the module providing for entry of the handwritten data is quickly removable as a unit from the hand-held data terminal, the data terminal being fully operational for reading and processing data while separate from said module.
 16. The data capturing apparatus of claim 11 wherein the module has a snap-on mechanical connection with the data terminal such that the module is readily attached to and detached from the data terminal.
 17. The data capturing apparatus of claim 11 wherein the data capture assembly is constructed to receive and store cursive handwritten data such as signatures.
 18. The data capturing apparatus of claim 11 wherein stored handwritten data is displayed on the display surface of the data terminal adjacent to the handwritten data entered on the receiving surface and subsequently displayed on the display surface such that the stored handwritten data and entered handwritten data may be easily compared.
 19. The data capturing apparatus of claim 18 wherein the stored handwritten data is displayed directly above the entered handwritten data.
 20. The data capturing apparatus of claim 19 wherein an indication of validity appears on the display surface after the comparison of the stored handwritten data and the entered handwritten data. 